Davenport, Iowa
A small, engaged gathering in Davenport on Thursday evening produced a productive conversation about what direction the health care and financial security systems should go in America.
There was a strong feeling from the group about younger Americans needing to learn from the mistakes of older generations. They emphasized how increased knowledge about healthy eating and preventive care could help save health care costs. They also thought that the government needs to step in and regulate companies that produce foods with little or no nutritional value. Eating natural foods, using natural supplements and natural means of care were also ideas that were mentioned.
The group agreed that there should be basic and competent health care (immunizations, emergencies, primary care, etc.) for all citizens. They also agreed that the United States should not re-invent the wheel, by looking to other countries and picking and choosing from what is working in their systems to help rebuild our current system.
What is the best way to efficiently, effectively provide health care for those living in rural areas?
Maquoketa, Iowa
Many concerns, ideas and challenges were shared during an afternoon conversation at the Maquoketa Community Center. The group included a former educator, aging services providers and health care workers.
The group was extremely concerned about the root of many of society’s woes. Concerns were expressed about the values and work ethic of younger generations and how lack of strong work ethic and savings ethic could hurt them in the future. They were particularly concerned about this generation’s ability to take care of themselves and how they might not have as strong of a safety net in place (Social Security and accessible, affordable health care) to keep them secure.
The group agreed that in a nation as wealthy as the United States, people should have health care as a basic right, though attendees did agree that all people really need to contribute to the society (in some fashion) to earn this right.
A couple of interesting questions about long-term financial security came up:
Should we make younger generations pay into Social Security if they are not going to receive it?
Should 401(k) plans be portable (when switching jobs) to encourage savings?
Iowa City, Iowa
A group of highly interested citizens joined in two large conversation circles at the HotelVitro on Wednesday night. The groups discussed a variety of topics surrounding the issues of health care and long-term financial security.
The conversation that I observed featured some very knowledgeable and opinionated participants. One attendee even created a proposal for a health care plan that he devised himself and distributed at the conversation.
A couple of interesting points were brought up:
One gentleman noted that if there are only 47 million people in the United States without health care then that means there are 250 million people who are covered in some fashion. Is this good enough?
What is retirement age? When you draw Social Security or when you are financially able to quit working?
Should people be expected to pay one-third of their income on health care? If not, what percentage would be acceptable?
Muscatine, Iowa
A group that included a retired insurance agent, teacher, nurse and a self-employed businessman were among those who joined the conversation at the Muscatine Community College on Wednesday afternoon.
The group agreed that health care and financial security should not just be the role of the government; they thought individual responsibility was an important part of the equation for financing these problems. They also agreed that these systems, especially the health care system, is entirely too complex and if the amount of paperwork was cut then money could be saved on health care costs.
Attendees were also very concerned about credit card debt. Some thought that the government should put a cap on the amount of interest companies can charge. There were also concerns about having to pay medical bills with credit cards and college loans and then not being able to pay them off for years.
A couple of interesting questions were brought up during the conversation:
Why are people uninsured? Whose fault is it?
How do we motivate people to help solve these problems?
What is causing huge disparities between the haves and have-nots?
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Participants coming from a variety of backgrounds and ages joined the conversations at Kirkwood Community College. A couple of State Representatives and surrogates from presidential campaigns joined the conversations to listen to what people are saying about these vital issues.
Many in attendance were concerned about their future health care. People touched upon the high deductibles that they are paying, apprehension to receive care (because of cost) and the need to focus on prevention and wellness.
The groups suggested that candidates for president need to listen to real people when creating policy on these issues. They also wanted to encourage the candidates to talk about their plans for fixing the health care systems and addressing financial security more often. They want to see sound policy with follow-though that truly addresses the issues and works, rather than just flashy ideas to get reelected.
How can middle and low income families afford to save?
Clinton, Iowa
A group of interested Iowans, including an Iowa state senator, gathered in Clinton for an afternoon conversation at the Best Western. Attendees were highly engaged in health care and financial security issues.
Financial security was an especially hot topic. Attendees agreed that financial education needs to be taught in schools and at home starting at a young age. Apparently, in Clinton there is some level of financial education in the schools, but attendees agreed there should be more. They also believed that employers were responsible for teaching their employees about enrolling in 401(k) plans and encouraging additional savings. Additional education on IRA’s was also emphasized by some participants as a way to increase savings. One concern that people shared about retirement savings was the misuse and non-funding of pension funds.
The majority of attendees expressed concern about vulnerable populations and those who are uneducated, and their ability to provide for their health and financial security. The group felt there should be some sort of safety net to help these populations.
